System and method for refilling an electronic cigarette cartridge

ABSTRACT

A system and method for refilling an electronic cigarette cartridge provide an efficient means to refill a cartridge of an electronic cigarette with an e-liquid. The system includes a refillable cartridge operable inside an electronic cigarette. The cartridge has an elongated cavity that contains an e-liquid. The cartridge also has a closed-end and an open end. A silicone seal covers the open end. An injection needle penetrates the seal to inject an e-liquid into the cavity. Adjacent to the injection needle, a vent needle penetrates the airtight silicone seal to create a passageway for air to simultaneously escape the airtight cartridge while e-liquid is being injected therein. In this manner, an equilibrium is formed inside the cavity, creating a smoother refilling. In alternative embodiments, the retail package encapsulates the cartridge, whereby injection and vent needles penetrate both the retail package and the seal.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention generally relates to a system and method forrefilling an electronic cigarette cartridge. More so, the presentinvention relates to a refilling system and method that provides arefillable cartridge for an electronic cigarette defined by an elongatedcavity that contains an e-liquid adapted to vaporize and release flavorduring smoking operations, a closed end, an open end, and an airtightsilicone seal that covers the open end; whereby an injection needlepenetrates the airtight seal to inject an e-liquid into the cavity, andan adjacent vent needle penetrates the airtight silicone seal to createa passageway for air to simultaneously escape the airtight cartridgewhile e-liquid is being injected, such that an equilibrium is formedinside the cavity; and in alternative embodiments, a retail packageencapsulates the refillable cartridge, such that the needles penetrateboth the retail package and the airtight silicone seal.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The following background information may present examples of specificaspects of the prior art (e.g., without limitation, approaches, facts,or common wisdom) that, while expected to be helpful to further educatethe reader as to additional aspects of the prior art, is not to beconstrued as limiting the present invention, or any embodiments thereof,to anything stated or implied therein or inferred thereupon.

Typically, electronic cigarettes provide smoking-substitute devices thatallow a smoker to experience some of the physical and chemicalsensations associated with smoking, without actually generating smoke orfire. As such, these devices do not contain the carcinogens and smokethat are detrimental to the health. Also, electronic cigarettes are notaffected by the statutory restrictions, smoking bans, and socialpressure to stop smoking.

Generally, electronic cigarettes are battery-powered electronic devicesthat resemble a standard tobacco cigarette. Often, the electroniccigarette comprises a cigarette-shaped tube and a mouthpiece. Thecigarette-shaped tube typically includes a replaceable or refillableliquid cartridge, a heating element, and a power source. Once thereplaceable or refillable liquid cartridge is emptied, it must either bereplaced or refilled. Replacing cartridges can be expensive and messy.In prior art refilling methods, the juice is simply poured into therefillable cartridge, which created spillage and required a steady hand.

Other proposals have involved e-cigarette cartridge refilling devicesand methods. The problem with these refilling means is that they do notcreate an anti-bacterial environment for refilling e-liquid into thecartridge. Also, the prior art does not evacuate air from the cartridge.Even though the above cited e-cigarette cartridge refilling devices andmethods meet some of the needs of the market, a system and method forrefilling an electronic cigarette cartridge, is still desired.

SUMMARY

Illustrative embodiments of the disclosure are generally directed to asystem and method for refilling an electronic cigarette cartridge. Thesystem and method provides an efficient means to refill a cartridge ofan electronic cigarette with an e-liquid. The system comprises arefillable cartridge operable inside an electronic cigarette, along witha heating element, a vaporizer, and a power source. The refillablecartridge is defined by an elongated cavity that contains an e-liquidadapted to vaporize and release flavor while heated to a predeterminedtemperature, i.e., vaporization during smoking. The refillable cartridgeis also defined by a closed end, an open end, and an airtight siliconeseal that covers the open end.

In some embodiments, an injection needle penetrates the airtightsilicone seal to inject an e-liquid into the cavity. Adjacent to theinjection needle, a vent needle penetrates the airtight silicone seal tocreate a passageway for air to simultaneously escape the airtightcartridge while e-liquid is being injected. In this manner, anequilibrium is formed inside the cavity, creating a smoother refillingprocess. In alternative embodiments of the system and method, a retailpackage encapsulates the refillable cartridge, such that the needlespenetrate both the retail package and the airtight silicone seal.

In one aspect, a system and method for refilling an electronic cigarettecartridge, comprises: a cartridge operable inside an electroniccigarette, the cartridge being defined by an elongated cavity sized anddimensioned to contain an e-liquid, the e-liquid being adapted tovaporize and release flavor when heated, the cartridge further beingdefined by a closed end and an open end; a seal covering the open end ofthe cartridge, whereby an airtight environment forms in the cavity ofthe cartridge; an injection needle defined by an inlet passageway havingan e-liquid discharge end and an e-liquid discharge end, the e-liquiddischarge end being sized and dimensioned to penetrate the seal anddischarge the e-liquid into the cavity; and a vent needle defined by anoutlet passageway having an air inlet end and an air outlet end, the airinlet end being sized and dimensioned to penetrate the seal, the outletpassageway being operable to carry air out of the cavity while thee-liquid is discharged into the cavity.

In another aspect, the system further comprises a resilient container,the resilient container encapsulating the cartridge and the seal.

In another aspect, the e-liquid discharge end of the injection needle issized and dimensioned to penetrate the resilient container and the sealfor discharging the e-liquid into the cavity.

In another aspect, the air inlet end is sized and dimensioned topenetrate the resilient container and the seal for carrying air from thecavity of the cartridge.

In another aspect, the injection needle is operable to inject a gas intothe resilient container.

In another aspect, the resilient container is a bag.

In another aspect, the cartridge comprises a cylindrical shape.

In another aspect, the cartridge comprises a cubical shape.

In another aspect, the seal comprises a silicone seal.

In another aspect, the seal is operable to self-seal on the open end ofthe cartridge.

In another aspect, the e-liquid is adapted to vaporize and releaseflavor when heated to a predetermined temperature.

In another aspect, the electronic cigarette further comprises a heatingelement, a vaporizer, and a power source.

In another aspect, the cartridge comprises a connector for detachableattachment with the electronic cigarette.

In another aspect, the cartridge comprises a cap.

In another aspect, the cap comprises one or more apertures.

One objective of the present invention is to efficiently refill acartridge of an electronic cigarette with an e-liquid.

Another objective is to allow air to escape the cartridge while it isbeing filled with e-liquid.

Yet another objective is to package the refillable cartridge in a retailbag that can be filled with air, or evacuated from air for facilitatedshipping and storage.

Yet another objective is to provide an antibacterial packaging for therefillable cartridge.

Yet another objective is to make the seal configuration be self-sealingat the open end of the cartridge.

Yet another objective is to provide an inexpensive top manufacturerefillable cartridge for electronic cigarettes.

Other systems, devices, methods, features, and advantages will be orbecome apparent to one with skill in the art upon examination of thefollowing drawings and detailed description. It is intended that allsuch additional systems, methods, features, and advantages be includedwithin this description, be within the scope of the present disclosure,and be protected by the accompanying claims and drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention will now be described, by way of example, with referenceto the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIGS. 1A-1B illustrate perspective views of an exemplary system forrefilling an electronic cigarette cartridge, showing a cylindricalshaped cartridge, where FIG. 1A shows the injection and vent needlespenetrating the seal, and FIG. 1B shows the cartridge disassembled, inaccordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIGS. 2A-2B illustrate perspective views of a system for refilling anelectronic cigarette cartridge, showing a cubicle shaped cartridge,where FIG. 2A shows the injection and vent needles penetrating the seal,and FIG. 2B shows the cartridge disassembled, in accordance with anembodiment of the present invention;

FIGS. 3A-3C illustrate perspective views of the prior art e-cigarettecartridge being refilled, where FIG. 3A shows a single needle fillingthe cartridge with e-liquid, FIG. 3B shows two needles filling thecartridge with e-liquid, and FIG. 3C shows a cap being coupled to a fullcartridge, a system for refilling an electronic cigarette cartridge, inaccordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 3D illustrates the single needle comprising a main needle and asub-needle.

FIG. 3E illustrates that each of the two needles comprises two channels.

FIG. 4 illustrates a side view of the cylindrical-shaped electroniccigarette cartridge encapsulated in a resilient container, showing theinjection and vent needles penetrating the resilient container and theseal, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 5 illustrates a side view of the cubicle-shaped electroniccigarette cartridge encapsulated in a resilient container, showing theinjection and vent needles penetrating the resilient container and theseal, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; and

FIG. 6 illustrates a flowchart of an exemplary method for refilling acartridge in a system, in accordance with an embodiment of the presentinvention.

Like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout the various viewsof the drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The following detailed description is merely exemplary in nature and isnot intended to limit the described embodiments or the application anduses of the described embodiments. As used herein, the word “exemplary”or “illustrative” means “serving as an example, instance, orillustration.” Any implementation described herein as “exemplary” or“illustrative” is not necessarily to be construed as preferred oradvantageous over other implementations. All of the implementationsdescribed below are exemplary implementations provided to enable personsskilled in the art to make or use the embodiments of the disclosure andare not intended to limit the scope of the disclosure, which is definedby the claims. For purposes of description herein, the terms “upper,”“lower,” “left,” “rear,” “right,” “front,” “vertical,” “horizontal,” andderivatives thereof shall relate to the invention as oriented in FIG. 1.Furthermore, there is no intention to be bound by any expressed orimplied theory presented in the preceding technical field, background,brief summary or the following detailed description. It is also to beunderstood that the specific devices and processes illustrated in theattached drawings, and described in the following specification, aresimply exemplary embodiments of the inventive concepts defined in theappended claims. Specific dimensions and other physical characteristicsrelating to the embodiments disclosed herein are therefore not to beconsidered as limiting unless the claims expressly state otherwise.

A system 100 and method 600 for refilling an electronic cigarettecartridge 102 is referenced in FIGS. 1A-6. The system 100 for refillingan electronic cigarette cartridge 102, hereafter “system 100” provides acartridge 102 that is operable to contain a substance 126 from inside anelectronic cigarette. In one embodiment, the substance 126 is ane-liquid 126. The electronic cigarette also provides a heater/atomizerfor heating the e-liquid 126, and a power source for the heater. Thecartridge 102, which is refillable, disposable, and comes inanti-bacterial packaging, is defined by an elongated cavity 108. In oneembodiment, the cartridge 102 comprises a cylindrical shape. However, inanother embodiment, a cubicle refillable cartridge 200 has a cubicle orrectangular shape, as shown in FIG. 2A. The cubicle refillable cartridge200 comprises a square-shaped cap 202 having multiple apertures 204 a,204 b, 204 c.

It should be understood that the above-described shapes of the cartridge102 are exemplary and any other shapes can be adopted on various ofembodiments of this disclosure.

Although the above embodiments disclose the e-liquid, it should beunderstood that other type of substances, such as liquid, solid, air(low-pressure air) or powder substances or combinations of differenttypes of substances can be used to perform that the same function as thee-liquid. It should be understood that the above-described substancescan comprise tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), cannabidiol (CBD), hemp,vitamins, alcohol, or any types of substances which can achieve the samefunction.

As shown in FIG. 1A, the cartridge 102 comprises a connector 112 fordetachable attachment with the electronic cigarette. The connector 112may include a screw-like coupling member that mates with a femalecoupling member in the electronic cigarette. In other embodiments, thecartridge 102 comprises a cap 114 that fits over the opening in the openend 106. The cap 114 is defined by one or more apertures 116 a, 116 b,116 c that enable passage of an injection needle and a vent needle, asdiscussed below. The cap 114 may fit over open end 106 of the cartridge102 through threaded means, or a friction fit relationship. In oneaspect, the connector 112 can be a threaded connector or a magneticconnector for attaching and detaching the cartridge 102 on/from theelectronic cigarette. It should be understood that the above-describedconnectors are exemplary, and any other connector can be adopted invarious embodiments of this disclosure.

In one embodiment, the electronic cigarette and the cartridge 102 can beintegrity, and in this manner, the cartridge 102 is embedded with to theelectronic cigarette, so the cartridge 102 cannot be detached from theelectronic cigarette. In other words, the electronic cigarette isintegrity.

As shown in FIG. 1B, the cartridge 102 is also defined by a closed-end104 and an open end 106. The open end 106 has an opening through whichthe e-liquid 126 can be injected, as discussed below. In one embodiment,the cavity 108 of the cartridge 102 is sized and dimensioned to containan e-liquid 126. The e-liquid 126 may include a juice or flavored liquidknown in the art of e-cigarettes that is adapted to vaporize and releaseflavor when heated.

In some embodiments, the system 100 provides a seal 110 that covers theopen end 106 of the cartridge 102. The seal 110 is the component thatcreates an airtight environment inside the cavity 108 of the cartridge102. In one possible embodiment, the seal 110 is a self-seal 110ingsilicone seal 110 that is sized and dimensioned to completely cover theopening of the open end 106. This creates an airtight environment in thecavity 108 of the cartridge 102. The cubicle refillable cartridge 200discussed above utilizes a square-shaped seal 206 to create the airtightenvironment in the cubicle refillable cartridge 200 (See FIG. 2B).

Looking again at FIG. 1A, the system 100 provides an injection needle118 that injects the e-liquid 126 into the cartridge 102. The injectionneedle 118 is defined by an inlet passageway 120 c having an e-liquid126 discharge end 120 b and an opposing e-liquid 126 discharge end 120a. The e-liquid 126 discharge end 120 b is sized and dimensioned topenetrate the seal 110. The e-liquid 126 discharge end 120 b is operableto penetrate the resilient container and the seal 110 for dischargingthe e-liquid 126 into the cavity 108.

Further, the system 100 provides a vent needle 122 that correlates tothe aforementioned injection needle 118. The injection needle 118 isoperable to inject a gas into the resilient container. The vent needle122 is defined by an outlet passageway 124 c having an air inlet end 124a and an air outlet end 124 b. The air inlet end 124 a is sized anddimensioned to penetrate the seal 110. The outlet passageway 124 c beingoperable to carry air out of the cavity 108.

In one embodiment, both of the injection needle 118 and the vent needle122 may be operated to inject the e-liquid into the cartridge 102, andthe system 100 further comprises a supplemental needle arranged in themiddle of the injection needle 118 and the vent needle 122 and isoperable to carry out the air out of the cavity 108. Although the aboveembodiments disclose using three needles, it should be understood that apredetermined number of the needles can be used to perform the samefunction.

In another embodiment, the air inlet end 124 a of the vent needle 122 issized and dimensioned to penetrate the resilient container and the seal110 for carrying air from the cavity 108 of the cartridge 102. Theoutlet passageway is operable to carry air out of the cavity 108 whilethe e-liquid 126 is discharged into the cavity 108. Thus, a moreefficient, smooth filling of e-liquid 126 into the cartridge 102 ispossible. This use of two needles performing the separate functions ofinjecting e-liquid 126 and venting air from the cartridge 102 is avariance from the prior art e-cigarette cartridge 300.

In the prior art embodiments, an e-cigarette cartridge 300 is refilledin a more straightforward manner in which: air is not vented out of thecartridge, and no airtight seal is used to cover the opening of thecartridge. For example, FIGS. 3A-3C illustrate perspective views ofprior art e-cigarette cartridge being refilled, where FIG. 3A shows asingle needle filling a prior art cartridge 300 with e-liquid. FIG. 3Bshows two needles filling the prior art cartridge 300 with e-liquid. AndFIG. 3C shows a cap being coupled to a full cartridge. Thus, in theprior art, a single needle 302 a simply entered the cavity 108 of thecartridge 300 to inject the desired amount of e-liquid 126 (FIG. 3A).

In other embodiment of the prior art embodiments, a first needle 302 a,and a second needle 302 b simultaneously inject e-liquid 126 into thecavity 108 (FIG. 3B), so as to increase the refill rate. Finally, afterthe cartridge 102 is filled to the desired level, a cap 306 is rotatablycoupled to a central stud 304 in the electronic cigarette. The e-liquid126 is now ready for heating/atomizing to release flavor during smokingoperations. The present invention, as discussed above, utilizes a singleinjection needle 118 that penetrates the seal 110 to inject. Andsimultaneously vents air out of the cartridge 102.

Instill yet another embodiment, as shown in FIG. 3D, the first needle302 a comprises a main needle 3021 a and an outer cavity 3022 a formedbetween the first needle 302 a and the main needle 3021 a. The mainneedle 3021 a is a central needle disposed in the middle of the firstneedle 302 a, and an outer periphery surface of the main needle 3021 ais surrounding around the main needle 3021 a to form the outer cavity3022 a. In this manner, the e-liquid 126 is injected into the cartridge102 through the main needle 3021 a, and the air is vented out from thecartridge 102 through the outer cavity 3022 a.

In still yet another embodiment, as shown in FIG. 3E, the first needle302 a comprises a first channel 3023 a and a second channel 3024 a, andthe second needle 302 b comprises a third channel 3023 b and a fourth3024 b, wherein the e-liquid 126 can be injected through one or morethan one of the channels 3023 a, 3024 a, 3023 b, 3024 b, and the air canbe vented out from one or more than one of the channels 3023 a, 3024 a,3023 b, 3024 b.

Accordingly, in the above-described embodiment, the cartridge 102doesn't package. However, the cartridge 102 may be packaged as apackaged product. It should be understood that the above-describedpackage or non-package configurations are exemplary and any otherconfiguration can be adopted in various embodiments of this disclosure.

It should be understood that the above-described numbers of channels orneedles are exemplary, and any numbers of channels and needles can beadopted in various embodiments of this disclosure.

Alternatively, the noble gases can be injected into the cartridge 102through one of the needles 302 a, 302 b. Or, the noble gases can beinjected into the cartridge 102 through one or more than one of thechannels 3023 a, 3024 a, 3023 b, 3024 b, wherein the noble gases is at aconstant temperature. In one aspect, the nobles gases is at atemperature approximately minus ten degrees to plus ten degrees.

In one embodiment, accordingly, the noble gases is delivered into thecartridge 102 to cool down the temperature of the e-liquid. In oneaspect, the e-liquid is condensed to form a condensed e-liquid, so as toremain the condensed e-liquid inside the cartridge 102.

Turning now to FIG. 4, the system 100 provides unique packaging andmarketing means through the use of a retail bag that the cartridge 102is stored inside. In this regard, the system 100 provides a resilientcontainer 400 that both protects and provides a sterile, anti-bacterialenvironment for the cartridge 102. The resilient container is configuredto encapsulate the cartridge 102 and the seal 110. In operation, theneedles penetrate both the resilient container and the seal 110 toaccess the cavity 108 of the cartridge 102.

Furthermore, the resilient container 400 can be useful for shipping andmarketing purposes. Also, this is useful for packaging food,pharmaceuticals, medicine, and other needs that require anti-bacterialprotection. In one non-limiting embodiment, the resilient container is aseal 110able bag. The resilient container 400 is also effective forencasing a cubicle-shaped cartridge 102, as shown in FIG. 5. In anycase, the needles penetrate both the resilient container and the seal110 to access the cavity 108 of the cartridge 102.

FIG. 6 illustrates a flowchart diagram of an exemplary method 600 forrefilling an electronic cigarette cartridge with a system. The method600 may include an initial Step 602 of depleting an e-liquid containedin a cavity of a refillable cartridge of an electronic cigarette, thecartridge being defined by a closed-end and an open end, a seal formingacross the open end. The method 600 may further comprise a Step 604 ofdetaching the cartridge from the electronic cigarette. A Step 606includes penetrating an injection needle through the seal.

In one embodiment, a Step 608 comprises penetrating a vent needlethrough the seal, adjacent to the injection needle. A Step 610 includesinjecting, through the injection needle, an e-liquid into the cavity ofthe cartridge. In some embodiments, a Step 612 may include venting,through the vent needle, air from the cavity, simultaneous with theinjection of e-liquid. A Step 614 comprises selectively attaching thecartridge to the electronic cigarette. A final Step 616 includes heatingthe e-liquid to vaporize and release flavor for smoking.

In another embodiment, the method 600 further comprises a step 611 ofstopping the injection of the e-liquid. The water or any liquidsubstance has cohesive force, so the e-liquid remaining inside theneedle may continuously inject into the cavity of the cartridge even ofno more e-liquid is fed into the needle. Therefore, a step 611 couldremain the e-liquid inside the needle once the refilling method 600 isstopped.

Accordingly, the cartridge may be attached with the electroniccigarette, and in this manner, the cartridge is detachable 6041. In oneaspect, the cartridge and the electronic cigarette are integrity, and inthis manner, the cartridge is affixed with the electronic cigarette6042.

In yet another embodiment, after step 612, venting the air from thecavity through the vent needle, the method 600 further comprises a stepof finishing the step of refilling the electronic cigarette cartridgewithout detaching the cartridge from the electronic cigarette cause thecartridge and the electronic cigarette are integrity.

Although the process-flow diagrams show a specific order of executingthe process steps, the order of executing the steps may be changedrelative to the order shown in certain embodiments. Also, two or moreblocks shown in succession may be executed concurrently or with partialconcurrence in some embodiments. Certain steps may also be omitted fromthe process-flow diagrams for the sake of brevity. In some embodiments,some or all the process steps shown in the process flow diagrams can becombined into a single process

These and other advantages of the invention will be further understoodand appreciated by those skilled in the art by reference to thefollowing written specification, claims, and appended drawings.

Because many modifications, variations, and changes in detail can bemade to the described preferred embodiments of the invention, it isintended that all matters in the foregoing description and shown in theaccompanying drawings be interpreted as illustrative and not in alimiting sense. Thus, the scope of the invention should be determined bythe appended claims and their legal equivalence.

What is claimed is:
 1. A system for refilling an electronic cigarettecartridge, the system comprising: a cartridge operable inside anelectronic cigarette, the cartridge being defined by an elongatedcavity, the cartridge further being defined by a closed end and an openend; a seal covering the open end of the cartridge, whereby an airtightenvironment forms in the cavity of the cartridge; an injection needledefined by an inlet passageway having an e-liquid discharge end and ane-liquid discharge end, the e-liquid discharge end being sized anddimensioned to penetrate the seal; and a vent needle defined by anoutlet passageway having an air inlet end and an air outlet end, the airinlet end being sized and dimensioned to penetrate the seal, the outletpassageway being operable to carry air out of the cavity.
 2. The systemof claim 1, further comprising a resilient container, the resilientcontainer encapsulating the cartridge and the seal.
 3. The system ofclaim 2, wherein the e-liquid discharge end of the injection needle issized and dimensioned to penetrate the resilient container and the sealfor discharging the e-liquid into the cavity.
 4. The system of claim 3,wherein the air inlet end of the vent needle is sized and dimensioned topenetrate the resilient container and the seal for carrying air from thecavity of the cartridge.
 5. The system of claim 4, wherein the injectionneedle is operable to inject a gas into the resilient container.
 6. Thesystem of claim 5, wherein the resilient container is a sealable bag. 7.The system of claim 1, wherein the cavity of the cartridge is sized anddimensioned to contain an e-liquid, the e-liquid being adapted tovaporize and release flavor when heated.
 8. The system of claim 7,wherein the e-liquid discharge end is sized and dimensioned to penetratethe seal and discharge the e-liquid into the cavity.
 9. The system ofclaim 8, wherein the outlet passageway being operable to carry air outof the cavity while the e-liquid is discharged into the cavity
 10. Thesystem of claim 1, wherein the cartridge comprises a cylindrical shape.11. The system of claim 1, wherein the cartridge comprises a cubicalshape.
 12. The system of claim 1, wherein the cartridge comprises aconnector for detachable attachment with the electronic cigarette. 13.The system of claim 1, wherein the cartridge comprises a cap.
 14. Thesystem of claim 13, wherein the cap is defined by one or more apertures.15. The system of claim 1, wherein the seal comprises a silicone seal.16. The system of claim 15, wherein the seal is operable to self-seal onthe open end of the cartridge.
 17. A system for refilling an electroniccigarette cartridge, the system comprising: a cartridge operable insidean electronic cigarette, the cartridge being defined by an elongatedcavity sized and dimensioned to contain an e-liquid, the e-liquid beingadapted to vaporize and release flavor when heated, the cartridgefurther being defined by a closed end and an open end, the cartridgecomprising a connector for detachable attachment with the electroniccigarette, the cartridge comprising a cap, the cap being defined by oneor more apertures; a seal covering the open end of the cartridge,whereby an airtight environment forms in the cavity of the cartridge; aninjection needle defined by an inlet passageway having an e-liquiddischarge end and an e-liquid discharge end, the e-liquid discharge endbeing sized and dimensioned to penetrate the seal and discharge thee-liquid into the cavity; a vent needle defined by an outlet passagewayhaving an air inlet end and an air outlet end, the air inlet end beingsized and dimensioned to penetrate the seal, the outlet passageway beingoperable to carry air out of the cavity while the e-liquid is dischargedinto the cavity; and a resilient container, the resilient containerencapsulating the cartridge and the seal.
 18. The system of claim 17,wherein the injection needle is operable to inject a gas into theresilient container.
 19. The system of claim 17, wherein the seal isoperable to self-seal on the open end of the cartridge.
 20. A method forrefilling an electronic cigarette cartridge with a system, the methodcomprising: depleting an e-liquid contained in a cavity of a refillablecartridge of an electronic cigarette, the cartridge being defined by aclosed end and an open end, a seal forming across the open end;detaching the cartridge from the electronic cigarette; penetrating aninjection needle through the seal; penetrating a vent needle through theseal, adjacent to the injection needle; injecting, through the injectionneedle, an e-liquid into the cavity of the cartridge; venting, throughthe vent needle, air from the cavity, simultaneous with the injection ofe-liquid; attaching the cartridge to the electronic cigarette; andheating the e-liquid to vaporize and release flavor for smoking.